Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office from a delegation of the ROK-Japan Parliamentarians’ League led by Chairman Suh Chung Won.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“For many years, the ROK-Japan Parliamentarians’ League has played an extremely important role as a bridge between our two countries. I expect this league to play an important role in the future as well under the new leadership of Chairman Suh.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan are very important neighbors, sharing common strategic interests. There are issues facing this relationship, and because of these issues, I believe continued dialogue is important. I have made it known that I am always open to such dialogue.

This year, we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea. I hope to make 2015 a year to improve the Japan-ROK relationship going forward, and I will carry out the necessary efforts to that end, through cooperation with President Park.”